P3443

Code

Generic P — Powertrain

Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low

Brand: Generic

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 28 EN: 33 RU: 28

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Page language: EN

Causes

Short to ground in the solenoid control wire
Open or intermittent wiring/connector to cylinder 6 solenoid
Corroded, bent or pushed-back terminal in connector
Failed cylinder deactivation / intake valve control solenoid (stuck open/shorted)
Blown fuse or faulty relay feeding the solenoid circuit
Low battery/poor power or ground at the circuit

Symptoms

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
Cylinder deactivation for cylinder 6 disabled or not operating
Rough idle or vibration at idle
Reduced performance or drivability issues under load
Reduced fuel economy (if cylinder deactivation is not working properly)
Possible ticking or unusual valvetrain noise from affected cylinder

What to check

Read and record freeze frame data and stored DTCs with a scan tool
Visually inspect wiring harness and connector at cylinder 6 solenoid for damage, corrosion or oil
Check fuses and relays related to cylinder deactivation / valve control circuits
Backprobe the solenoid connector and check for battery voltage, ground, and PCM control signal with ignition ON and during cranking
Measure solenoid coil resistance (unplugged) and compare to specification or to another cylinder's solenoid
Wiggle test wiring while monitoring signal to reproduce intermittent faults

Signal parameters

Resting control voltage (PCM output inactive): ~0 V (may be pulled low to ground)
Activated control voltage: PWM or switched output up to battery voltage (~12 V) depending on system
Typical solenoid coil resistance (varies by design): commonly ~5–25 ohms — refer to vehicle spec
Control signal may be pulse-width modulated (frequency and duty vary by manufacturer)
Short to ground presents as abnormally low voltage at control pin when commanded
Open circuit presents as no continuity between solenoid and PCM or infinite resistance

Diagnostic algorithm

Use a scan tool to confirm P3443 and note freeze frame/capture data (engine conditions when fault set).
Visually inspect the cylinder 6 solenoid connector and harness for damage, oil intrusion, corrosion, or loose terminals.
Verify battery voltage at the power feed and check related fuses/relays; replace if blown or faulty.
Backprobe the solenoid connector: with ignition ON and engine OFF verify reference power and ground presence; with the engine running or commanded, verify PCM control signal using a scope or multimeter.
Measure solenoid coil resistance with connector disconnected; compare to specification or another cylinder. Replace solenoid if out of range or open/shorted.
Check continuity from the solenoid control pin to the PCM pin for opens and check for short to ground on the control circuit.
Perform a wiggle/drive test to check for intermittent faults. If available, use an oscilloscope to inspect the PWM waveform for proper switching and duty cycle.
Swap the cylinder 6 solenoid with a known good solenoid from another cylinder (if identical) to determine if the fault follows the solenoid or remains at cylinder 6 wiring/PCM.
If wiring and solenoid test good, inspect PCM connector and consider PCM output testing or replacement per manufacturer procedures.
After repairs, clear codes, perform functional tests and a road test to confirm the fault does not return.

Likely causes

Damaged wiring harness near the intake manifold or cylinder head
Failed solenoid coil on cylinder 6
Corroded connector terminals at the solenoid
Blown fuse or intermittent power feed
PCM driver stage malfunction (less common)

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Cylinder 6 deactivation/intake valve control circuit shows a low-voltage condition. Check the solenoid, wiring, connectors, fuses/relays and PCM control output for faults.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours